Security sleeve for recorded media storage containers

ABSTRACT

A security sleeve for merchandise storage containers includes a frame that defines a storage compartment. The frame defines an insertion opening through which the merchandise is loaded into the storage compartment. The frame may be configured to hold any of a variety of merchandise packages including various items of recorded media such as video cassettes, CDs, and DVDs. The sleeve includes at least one locking member that blocks a portion of the insertion opening to prevent the merchandise from being removed from the storage compartment until the frame is destroyed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/196,828 filed Apr. 13, 2000, and No. 60/239,336 filedOct. 11, 2000.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to security storagecontainers and, more particularly, to a security device used to hold anddisplay recorded media storage containers. Specifically, the presentinvention relates to a sleeve that allows a storage container such as aDVD case to be slid into the storage container and then securelyretained until the security container is destroyed.

[0004] 2. Background Information

[0005] Numerous items of recorded media are displayed in storagecontainers for sale to consumers at retail establishments. Consumersdemand access to the items of recorded media so that they may review thepackaging information while deciding whether or not to purchase the itemof recorded media. Retail establishments desire to provide customersaccess to the items of recorded media while preventing shoplifting.Retail establishments thus place an electronic article security tag (EAStag) inside or attached to each item of recorded media. The retailestablishment then places each tagged item of recorded media inside asecurity device that prevents the shoplifter from removing the EAS tagfrom the item of recorded media.

[0006] Various types of security devices are known in the art. Sometypes are reusable and may be opened with special keys by the salesclerk. Other types of security containers known in the art are only usedonce. The sales clerk either destroys the container when removing theitem of recorded media or sells the security device to the consumeralong with the item of recorded media after deactivating the EAS tag.

[0007] The security container art desires a security container forholding storage containers for items of recorded media that can beeasily loaded and locked by automated equipment. The security storagecontainer must allow the consumer to clearly view the front, sides, andrear of the storage container. The security storage container must alsoprevent easy access to the storage container in order to frustrateshoplifters. The art also desires the security storage containers to beinexpensive to purchase especially when the security storage containersare sold to the consumer. The retail establishments also desire that thesecurity storage containers not consume valuable shelf space.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides asecurity storage container that may be used to hold a storage containerfor an item of recorded media in a manner that allows all sides of thestorage container to be viewed by the consumer.

[0009] The present invention also provides a security storage containerthat may be easily loaded by automated equipment.

[0010] The present invention also provides a security storage containerhaving relatively thin walls such that the container does not increasethe required shelf space for the storage container.

[0011] The present invention also provides a security storage containerthat successfully frustrates potential shoplifters by preventing easyaccess to the recorded media storage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of thebest mode in which applicant contemplated applying the principles of theinvention, are set forth in the following description and are shown inthe drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed out and setforth in the appended claims.

[0013]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of thesecurity storage package of the present invention with a DVD storagecontainer being inserted into the security storage container.

[0014]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of thefirst embodiment of the security storage package of the presentinvention.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a top view of the device of FIG. 1 with the DVD storagecontainer loaded into the security storage container.

[0016]FIG. 3 is an end view of FIG. 2 showing the open bottom of thedevice.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of thesecurity storage container of the present invention being loaded with aDVD storage container.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the second embodiment of thesecurity storage container with the DVD storage container of FIG. 4 inthe loaded position.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative version of the endcap of the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the securitystorage container of the present invention with a DVD storage containerloaded into the security container.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the bottom opening and end flap ofthe security storage container of FIG. 7 with the end flap in the openposition.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 showing the end flap in aclosed position.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the security storage container ofFIG. 7 showing the different radii on the corners of the device.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of FIG. 10.

[0025]FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 11.

[0026]FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 11.

[0027]FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of FIG. 11.

[0028]FIG. 15 is a perspective view of half of the end flap beingclosed.

[0029]FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 15 showing analternative version of the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0030]FIG. 17 is a view showing how the third embodiment of the presentinvention may be manufactured.

[0031]FIG. 18 is a front elevational view of a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

[0032]FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18.

[0033]FIG. 20 is a view taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 19.

[0034]FIG. 21 is an enlarged view, partially in section, of the lockingmember in the unlocked position.

[0035]FIG. 22 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the locking member inthe locked position.

[0036]FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing a fifth embodiment ofthe invention.

[0037]FIG. 24 is a view of the fifth embodiment in the locked position.

[0038]FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the sixth embodimentof the invention in the unlocked position.

[0039]FIG. 26 is a view of the sixth embodiment in the locked position.

[0040]FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the seventhembodiment of the invention.

[0041]FIG. 28 is a view of the seventh embodiment in the lockedposition.

[0042]FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the eighth embodimentof the invention.

[0043]FIG. 30 is a view of the eighth embodiment in the locked position.

[0044]FIG. 31 is a sectional side view of the eighth embodiment takenalong line 31-31 of FIG. 30.

[0045]FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 21 showing the ninth embodimentof the invention.

[0046]FIG. 33 is a view of the ninth embodiment in the locked position.

[0047]FIG. 34 is a front sectional view of the tenth embodiment of theinvention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0048]FIG. 35 is a front sectional view of the eleventh embodiment ofthe invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0049]FIG. 36 is a bottom plan view of the twelfth embodiment of theinvention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0050]FIG. 37 is a front sectional view of the thirteenth embodiment ofthe invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0051]FIG. 38 is a front sectional view of the fourteenth embodiment ofthe invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0052]FIG. 39 is a front sectional view of the fifteenth embodiment ofthe invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0053]FIG. 40 is a front sectional view of the sixteenth embodiment ofthe invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0054]FIG. 41 is a front elevational view of the seventeenth embodimentof the invention in the unlocked position.

[0055]FIG. 42 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 41.

[0056]FIG. 43 is a front elevational view of the seventeenth embodimentin the locked position.

[0057]FIG. 44 is a sectional view taken along line 44-44 of FIG. 43.

[0058]FIG. 45 is a front sectional view of the eighteenth embodiment ofthe invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0059]FIG. 46 is a front elevational view of the nineteenth embodimentof the invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0060]FIG. 47 is a bottom plan view of the twentieth embodiment of theinvention in the unlocked position.

[0061]FIG. 48 is a sectional view taken along line 48-48 of FIG. 47.

[0062]FIG. 49 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 48 showing the lockedposition.

[0063]FIG. 50 is a side sectional view of the twenty-first embodiment ofthe invention in the unlocked position.

[0064]FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of the twenty-first embodimentin the locked position.

[0065]FIG. 52 is a sectional view taken along line 52-52 of FIG. 51.

[0066]FIG. 53 is a side sectional view of the twenty-second embodimentof the invention in the unlocked position.

[0067]FIG. 54 is a side elevational view of the twenty-second embodimentin the locked position.

[0068]FIG. 55 is a sectional view taken along line 55-55 of FIG. 54.

[0069]FIG. 56 is a bottom plan view of the twenty-third embodiment ofthe invention.

[0070]FIG. 57 is a sectional view taken along line 57-57 of FIG. 56.

[0071]FIG. 58 is a front sectional view of the twenty-fourth embodimentwith one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0072]FIG. 59 is a front sectional view of the twenty-fifth embodimentof the invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0073]FIG. 60 is a front sectional view of the twenty-sixth embodimentof the invention with one side locked and one side unlocked.

[0074]FIG. 61 is a front view showing a shock absorbing structure.

[0075]FIG. 62 is a section view of the shock absorbing structure.

[0076] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout thespecification.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0077] The first embodiment of the security storage container of thepresent invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 in FIGS. 1-3.Security storage container 10 is generally in the form of a five-sidedbox including a front wall 12, a rear wall 14, a top wall 16, and a pairof sidewalls 18. Security storage container 10 generally includes anopen bottom as indicated by the numeral 20. Security storage containerfunctions by including a plurality of protrusions 22 disposed adjacentopen bottom 20 that allow a storage container 24 to be inserted into thestorage compartment of security container 10 but not removed. Storagecontainer 24 may only be removed from the storage compartment ofsecurity container 10 by cutting one or more of the walls or byotherwise destroying security storage container 10.

[0078] Security storage container 10 is preferably fabricated from atough, resilient, substantially transparent plastic material that isdifficult to break, cut, or tear. The thickness may vary depending onthe application. For instance, a thickness between 0.01 and 0.03 inchesis common but other thicknesses are also contemplated such as 0.06inches. The material may be molded or vacuumed formed as is known in theart. The material has been used in packaging applications in the priorart. The art generally recognizes that this material is relativelystrong and may be provided in thicknesses that are relatively difficultto cut even with a sharp blade. The thickness of the material may bevaried depending on the level of security and the application forsecurity container 10. For example, the material may be a thermoplasticsuch as a polypropylene or a polyethylene, injection molded plastics,vacuum formed plastics, vinyls, etc.

[0079] Security storage container 10 may be formed by providing a pairof identical halves that are each formed with connection flanges 26extending along three sides of container 10. The halves are fit togetherto form a storage compartment and flanges 26 are permanently connectedtogether to form container 10. Flanges 26 may be connected together byany of a variety of connection methods known in the art such asadhesives, welding, press fits, etc. In the preferred embodiment,flanges 26 are welded by welding.

[0080] In another embodiment of the invention, flanges 26 are not usedand walls 18 are fit directly together in an end-to-end relationship.The walls of security storage container 10 may also be integrallyfabricated in a one piece mold or forming process.

[0081] Protrusions 22 extend inwardly from the outer surface of securitystorage container 10 as shown in FIG. 3. Each protrusion 22 is designedto be flexible and accommodating in the insertion direction as indicatedby the arrow labeled with numeral 28. Each protrusion 22 is configuredto prevent removal of storage container 24 by not being flexible oryielding in the removal direction as indicated by the arrow labeled withthe numeral 30. To achieve this function, each protrusion 22 may have arelatively flat surface facing the storage compartment with a relativelyangled surface facing open bottom 20 of security storage container 10.Protrusions 22 generally include an upper and lower protrusion disposedat the lower edge of each sidewall 18 and an upper and lower protrusiondisposed at the lower middle portion of front wall 12 and rear wall 14.Other arrangements of protrusions 22 are also contemplated by thepresent invention. As shown in FIG. 3, protrusions 22 block asubstantial portion of the opening to the storage compartment andprovide a substantial blocking wall to storage container 24 once storagecontainer 24 is inserted into security container 10 as depicted in FIG.2.

[0082] An alternative version of the first embodiment is depicted inFIG. 1A. In this embodiment, security storage container 10 is integrallyfabricated in a single piece and lacks the flanges discussed above.Container 10 shown in FIG. 1A also includes a modified protrusion 22structure that extends entirely around opening 20. Each corner includesribbed protrusions 22 in addition to an inset protrusion 22 that extendsentirely around opening 20. This protrusion structure has been found tosecurely hold storage containers having sharp corners as well as roundedcorners. Protrusion 22 includes continuous lips 22A that are spacedapart and extend entirely around opening 20. In other embodiments, lips22A may be discontinuous.

[0083] The second embodiment of the security storage container of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the numeral 50 in FIGS. 4and 5. Security storage container 50 includes many of the same elementsas security storage container 10 described above and the same numbersare used to refer to these elements. Security storage container 50functions similar to security storage container 10 and may be fabricatedfrom the same types of material as security storage container 10.

[0084] Some types of storage containers 24 have relatively rounded edgesthat will not allow protrusions 22 of first embodiment of securitystorage container 10 strongly secure storage container 24 inside of thestorage compartment. Security storage container 50 provides an end cap52 that includes corners 54 designed to cooperate with protrusions 56 toprovide a secure holding arrangement. Protrusions 56 include a pluralityof ribs 58 that extend into the storage compartment of security storagecontainer 50. Protrusions 56 may be disposed at two corners as depictedin FIG. 4, all four corners, or in the arrangement depicted in FIG. 1for protrusions 22. Protrusions 56 are configured to cooperate withcorners 54 of end cap 52 to lock end cap 52 and thus storage container24 inside of the storage compartment of security storage container 50when end cap 52 is placed over storage container 24 and pressed up intosecurity storage container 50 as shown in FIG. 5. End cap 52 thus allowssecurity storage container 50 to be used with storage containers 24having a configuration that prevents it from securely working withprotrusions 22.

[0085] End cap 54 may be five-sided as depicted in FIG. 4 or three-sidedas depicted in FIG. 6 and indicated with the numeral 52A.

[0086] The third embodiment of the security storage container of thepresent invention is indicated generally by the numeral 100 in FIGS.7-17. Security storage container 100 includes many of the same elementsas security storage container 10 and the same numbers are used to referto those elements. Security storage container 100 includes an end flap102 that is connected to rear wall 14 with a first hinge 104. Firsthinge 104 is preferably a living hinge including a pair of angled walls106 and a spine 108. Hinge 104 may also have a rounded or folded crosssection as is known in the art. End flap 102 is used to close openbottom 20 after storage container 24 is inserted into the storagecompartment of security container 100. End flap 102 may be permanentlylocked in the closed position by appropriate welds or other connectorsknown in the art. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in thedrawings, a pair of buttons 110 are provided on front wall 12 and endflap 102. Each button includes a male member 112 and a female member 114that each have tapered sidewalls as shown in FIG. 9. The individualmembers of each button 110 snap together to connect the elements ofbutton 110. Button 110 may be flattened to form a secure connection thatmay not be taken apart by flattening members 112 and 114 beyond thepoint where the material forming security container 100 will springback. This causes male element 112 to be trapped within female element114 thus locking end flap 102 over open bottom 20 of security container100.

[0087] End flap 102 includes a first wall 120, a second wall 122, and athird wall 124. First wall 120 is connected to back wall 114 by firsthinge 104. Second wall 122 is connected to first wall 120 by a secondhinge 126 that has substantially the same structure of first hinge 104.Third wall 124 is connected to second wall 122 by a third hinge 128 thatmay also have the same structure as first hinge 104.

[0088] Female elements 114 are formed in third wall 124 such that theymay be aligned with male elements 112 when end flap 102 is folded intothe end of security container 100. The unfolded position is depicted inFIG. 8 while the folded position is depicted in FIG. 9. In the foldedposition, second wall 122 closes open bottom 20 of security container10. While first wall 120 lies adjacent rear wall 14 and third wall 124lies adjacent front wall 12. Second wall 122 is preferably sized tosubstantially close the entire opening of security container 10. Walls120 and 124 have a width that allows them to move to the folded positionwhile not interfering with the radius corners of security storagecontainer 10.

[0089] Security storage container 100 may optionally include a pair ofseal buttons 130 (FIG. 7) that function to provide an additional layerof security to security container 100. Security container 100 mayadditionally include protrusions 56 as described above.

[0090] Security storage container 100 includes four curved longitudinalcorners 132. Each longitudinal corner includes a first section 134, asecond section 136, and a third section 138. First and third sections134 and 138 have a smaller radius of curvature than second section 136.Storage container 24 thus is provided with more clearance at sections134 and 138 while frictionally engaging section 136. The frictionalforce between section 136 and storage container 24 prevents storagecontainer 24 from rattling within security storage container 100 andprevents a potential shoplifter from easily pushing storage container 10back against end flap 102.

[0091] In an alternative embodiment of the invention (see FIG. 16), maleand female elements 112 and 114 are reversed such that male elements 112are carried by end flap 102 while female elements 114 are carried byfront wall 12.

[0092] In another alternative embodiment of the invention, buttons 110are not used and a curved latch 140 (see FIG. 16) may be used to capturethird wall 124 of end flap 102 to secure it in place. The connection maybe permanently formed by appropriate welding, crimping, or gluing.

[0093]FIG. 17 depicts a method of manufacturing security storagecontainer 100 wherein end flap 102 is formed as part of a closedcontainer 150. Closed container 150 is cut along lines 152 and 154 toform security storage container 100 having end flap 102. The remainder156 of container 150 that is not used is discarded and recycled. Formingsecurity storage container 100 in this manner achieves one of theobjectives of the present invention.

[0094] The fourth embodiment of the security sleeve of the presentinvention is indicated generally by the numeral 200 in FIGS. 18-22.Security sleeve 200 generally includes a frame 202 and a pair of lockingmembers 204. Locking members 204 are each movable between unlocked andlocked positions to lock an item of recorded media 206 within frame 202until frame 202 is at least partially destroyed. Item of recorded media206 typically includes a housing or a storage container. Essentially anytype of recorded media may be used with sleeve 200. For instance, item206 may be a tape, a disc, or a game cartridge. In other applications,sleeve 200 may be used with other items of merchandise such as boxeditems or books.

[0095] Frame 202 is in the form of a five-sided box having an insertionopening at its open side so that item 206 may be slid into the storagechamber inside frame 202. Frame 202 is sized to slidingly receive item206. Item 206 may be frictionally received in frame 202 or may beloosely received in frame 202. In the drawings, item 206 is disposedloosely within frame 202 but it is understood that the outer surfaces ofitem 206 may frictionally engage the inner surfaces of frame 202.

[0096] Frame 202 may include a plurality of openings 207 that allow theconsumer to directly view the graphics and text on item 206 withoutlooking through frame 202. Frame 202 has one dimension that is greaterthan the corresponding dimension of item 206. The example depicted inFIGS. 18-22, the longitudinal length of frame 202 is longer than thelongitudinal length of item of recorded media 206. The dimensiondiscrepancy provides room for locking members 204 to lock against a wallof item 206.

[0097] In the fourth embodiment, locking members 204 are positioned nearthe end of frame 202 where item 206 is loaded. Each locking member 204is hingedly connected to frame 202 with a hinge 208. Hinge 208 may be aliving hinge that is integrally formed with frame 202. Hinge 208 mayalso be a separately-formed hinge that is attached to frame 202 after itis formed. Hinge 208 allows locking member 204 to pivot between theunlocked position shown in FIG. 21 and the locked position shown in FIG.22.

[0098] In the fourth embodiment of the invention, locking members 204each include an arm 210 and a protrusion 212. Arm 210 is connected toframe 202 by hinge 208. Protrusion 212 includes at least one lockingfinger 214 that locks member 204 in the locked position by engagingframe 202. Locking finger 214 is angled from the inner end of protrusion212 outwardly towards the plane of arm 210 but downwardly away from arm210 and hinge 208. Finger 214 is flexible enough to be moved inwardlytoward protrusion 212 when locking member 204 is being inserted intoframe 202. Locking member 204 further includes a second locking finger216 disposed on the upper side of protrusion 212.

[0099] Frame 202 defines an opening 220 adjacent each locking member204. Each opening 220 is positioned below the lower edge 222 of item 206when item 206 is fully inserted into frame 202. Opening 220 is sized toreceive protrusion 212 when at least one locking finger 214 isdepressed. Frame 202 includes first 224 and second 226 locking ledgesdisposed above and below opening 220.

[0100] Frame 202 also defines a channel 230 between each hinge 208 andeach opening 220. Channel 230 is sized to receive arm 210 when lockingmember 204 is in the locked position so that the outer surface of arm210 is flush with the outer surface of frame 202 as shown in FIG. 22.

[0101] Security sleeve 200 functions by receiving item of recorded media206 through the opening until item of recorded media 206 is fullyinserted into frame 202. Item of recorded media 206 is preferably storedin some type of storage container as is known in the art. Lower edge 222of the storage container of item of recorded media 206 is positionedadjacent openings 220 when item 206 is fully inserted. Both lockingmembers 204 are then moved from the unlocked position to the lockedposition. When moving from the unlocked to locked position, lockingfinger 214 is depressed by engaging frame 202 and snaps through opening220. Protrusion 212 is preferably configured so that locking finger 214must be pushed through opening 220 with force. In the embodimentdepicted in the drawings, finger 214 flexes frame 202 when being pushedthrough opening 220. Once protrusion 212 is in the locked position,locking finger 214 springs outwardly to engage ledge 224 to preventlocking member 204 from returning to the unlocked position. Lockingfinger 214 is configured to prevent a shoplifter from reaching insideframe 202 and pushing upwardly on locking finger 214 and withdrawinglocking member 204 from opening 220. If a shoplifter pushes upwardly onlocking finger 214 and protrusion 212, second locking finger 216 engagesledge 226 to prevent locking member 204 from being withdrawn fromopening 220. When locking members 204 are in the locked position, item206 cannot be removed from frame 202 and the user must cut or otherwisedestroy a portion of frame 202 before removing item 206. For example,the user may cut frame 202 along cut line 230 on both sides of frame202. Once cut in these areas, frame 202 may be forced open and item 206may be removed.

[0102] Severing hinge 208 does not allow locking member 204 to bewithdrawn from opening 220. Locking member 204 is configured such thatit cannot be pushed through opening 220 if hinge 208 is severed. Thelower surfaces of opening 220 and protrusion 212 are angled to wedgeprotrusion 212 in opening 220 if hinge 208 is severed and protrusion 212is pushed inwardly.

[0103] The fifth embodiment of the security sleeve is depicted in FIGS.23 and 24 and is indicated generally by the numeral 250. Security sleeve250 includes many of the same elements as security sleeve 200 and thesame numbers are used to refer to these elements. Sleeve 250 differsfrom sleeve 200 because protrusion 212 includes only first lockingfinger 214 and does not have a second locking finger on its upper edge.The removal of the second locking finger allows protrusion 212 to beinserted into frame 202 easier because protrusion 212 presents lessresistance.

[0104] The sixth embodiment of the security sleeve of the invention isindicated generally by the numeral 260 in FIGS. 25 and 26. Securitysleeve 260 includes many of the same elements as security sleeve 200 andthe same numbers are used to refer to these elements. In thisembodiment, protrusion 212 includes a first locking finger 262 thatextends upwardly and rearwardly from the inner end of protrusion 212.Locking finger 262 is flexible so that it may be depressed when lockingmember 264 is pushed through opening 220. Protrusion 212 includes asecond locking finger 266 extending downwardly from protrusion 212. Inthis embodiment, second locking finger 266 is smaller and less flexiblethan finger 262. Locking fingers 262 and 266 engage ledges 224 and 226when locking member 264 is in the locked position to prevent lockingmember 264 from being moved back to the unlocked position.

[0105]FIGS. 61 and 62 depict an alternative embodiment of frame 202 thatmay be applied to any of the relevant embodiments disclosed in thisapplication. Frame 202 shown in FIGS. 61 and 62 includes at least oneshock absorbing notch 267 that allows the lower corners of frame 202 tocrumple if a shoplifter slaps frame 202 against a hard surface in anattempt to break the corner of frame 202 or locking member 264. Eachnotch 267 may extend around to the front and back of frame 202 asdepicted in FIG. 61. Each notch may extend substantially through thesidewalls of frame 202 as depicted in FIG. 62 but shallower notches mayalso be used.

[0106] The seventh embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIGS. 27and 28 and is indicated generally by the numeral 270. Security sleeve270 includes many of the same elements as sleeve 200 and the samenumbers are used to refer to these elements. The locking members 272 ofsecurity sleeve 270 include first and second 274 and 276 resilientlocking fingers that each flex when locking member 272 is pushed throughopening 220.

[0107] Locking fingers 274 and 276 are independent of one another andextend from arm 210 at spaced apart locations. The protrusion of lockingmember 272 thus includes both locking fingers 274 and 276.

[0108] The eighth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 280 in FIGS. 29-31. In this embodiment, lockingmembers 282 include four locking fingers 284 that are each disposedsubstantially perpendicular to one another. Each finger 284 isconfigured to fit through opening 220 when locking member 282 is movedfrom the unlocked position to the locked position. In an alternativeconfiguration of this embodiment, three locking fingers 284 extend fromprotrusion 212. The angle between fingers 284 may be varied withoutdeparting from the concepts of the invention.

[0109] The ninth embodiment of the invention is indicated generally bythe numeral 290 in FIGS. 32 and 33. In this embodiment, each lockingmember 292 includes first and second locking fingers 294 and 296 thateach extend rearwardly and outwardly from the end of protrusion 212.Locking fingers 294 and 296 are designed to flex as locking member 292is inserted through opening 220. Locking finger 294 engages ledge 224and locking finger 296 engages ledge 226 when locking member 292 is inthe locked position.

[0110] Turning now to FIG. 34, the tenth embodiment of the securitysleeve of the invention is indicated by the numeral 300. Security sleeve300 includes many of the same elements as sleeve 200 and the samenumbers are used to refer to these elements. The locking members 302 ofsecurity sleeve 300 include first 304 and second 306 resilient lockingfingers that each flex when locking member 302 is pushed through opening220. In this embodiment, fingers 304 and 306 are connected together attheir inner ends and are connected to arm 210 at their outer ends. Anopening 308 is defined by arms 304 and 306. Opening 308 allows arms 304and 306 to flex towards each other when protrusion 212 of locking member302 is forced through opening 220.

[0111] The eleventh embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 35and is indicated generally by the numeral 310. Security sleeve 310includes many of the same elements as sleeve 200 and the same numbersare used to refer to these elements. The locking members 312 of securitysleeve 310 include first 314 and second 316 resilient locking fingersthat each flex when locking member 312 is pushed through opening 320. Inthis embodiment, first locking finger 314 is connected to arm 210 at itsouter end. The inner end of first locking finger 314 is connected to theinner end of second locking finger 316. The outer end of second lockingfinger 316 is cantilevered. Second locking finger 316 includes a ledge318 that latches against ledge 224 when locking member 312 is in thelocked position.

[0112] The twelfth embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 36and is indicated generally by the numeral 350. Security sleeve 350generally includes a frame 352 similar to frame 202 described above.Security sleeve 350 further includes a pair of locking members 354. Eachlocking member 354 is movable between an unlocked position (the leftside of FIG. 36) and a locked position (the right side of FIG. 36) tolock an item of recorded media 206 within frame 352 until frame 352 isat least partially destroyed.

[0113] Frame 352 is configured to surround five sides of item 206. Frame352 includes an insertion opening so that item 206 may be slid into thestorage chamber defined by frame 352. Each locking member 354 ispositioned near the end of frame 352 where item 206 is inserted into thestorage chamber of frame 352. Each locking member 354 is hingedlyconnected to frame 352 with a hinge 358. Hinge 358 may be a living hingethat is integrally formed with frame 352 or may be a separately-formedhinge that is attached to frame 352 after it is formed. Hinge 358 allowslocking member 354 to pivot between the unlocked position and the lockedposition.

[0114] Each locking member 354 includes an arm 360 and a protrusion 362.Each locking member 354 further includes a locking finger 364 configuredto engage frame 352 in a one way snap connection to prevent protrusion362 from being moved to the unlocked position after protrusion 362 hasreached the unlocked position.

[0115] In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIG. 36, arms 360pivot about an axis that is substantially parallel to the insertiondirection of item 206. Each arm 360 is substantially equal to thethickness of frame 352. Each protrusion 362 includes a curved wall 366that allows protrusion 362 to be pivoted inwardly about the pivotdefined by hinge 358. The general radius of wall 366 is substantiallyequal to the distance between hinge 358 and the wall opposite hinge 358so that protrusion 362 substantially fills the insertion opening offrame 352 when protrusion 362 is in the locked position. Each lockingmember 354 thus pivots in a plane substantially perpendicular to theinsertion direction of item 206. Once item 206 is fully inserted intoframe 352, each locking member 354 is pivoted inwardly until lockingfingers 364 engage frame 352 to prevent locking members 354 frompivoting outwardly. Protrusions 362 may include locking fingers 364 ontheir upper and lower surfaces. Once locking members 354 are in thelocked position, item 206 cannot be removed from frame 352 without atleast partially destroying frame 352.

[0116] The thirteenth embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG. 37and is indicated generally by the numeral 370. Security sleeve 370includes a frame 372 that is substantially similar to the other framesdescribed above with respect to the other embodiments of the invention.Frame 372 is configured to slidingly receive item 206 until the bottomwall 222 of item 206 is positioned adjacent the openings 374 of frame372.

[0117] Security sleeve 370 includes a pair of locking members 376 thatmay be individually moved between the unlocked position (the left sideof FIG. 37) and the locked position (the right side of FIG. 37). Eachlocking member 376 includes an arm 378 that is hinged to frame 372 atits upper arm and its lower end by appropriate hinges 380. Each arm 378is longer than the space between hinges 380 such that arm 378 will bowoutwardly when in the unlocked position and bow inwardly when in thelocked position. Arm 378 is flexible enough to be forced through thesmaller opening when the user moves arm 378 from the unlocked positionto the locked position. Each arm 378 includes a locking finger 382 thatextends inwardly and will catch on item 206 to prevent item 206 frombeing slid out past locking members 376 once locking members 376 arelocked.

[0118] Hinges 380 are formed to prevent locking members 376 from beingmoved from the locked position back to the unlocked position. Oncelocked, security sleeve 370 must be at least partially destroyed beforeitem 206 may be removed.

[0119] The fourteenth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 390 in FIG. 38. Security sleeve 390 is similarto security sleeve 370 and the same numbers are used to refer to similarelements. Security sleeve 390 includes a pair of locking members 392that are each movable between the unlocked position and the lockedposition. Each locking member 392 includes a pair of arms 394 and 396that are connected together and to frame 372 with a plurality of hinges398. The combined length of arms 394 and 396 is longer than the lengthof opening 374 such that arms 392 and 394 must be forced through opening374 when locking member 392 is moved from the unlocked position to thelocked position. Hinges 398 are configured to prevent locking member 392from being snapped back from the locked position to the unlockedposition. In the configuration depicted in FIG. 38, arm 394 issubstantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of item 206 whenlocking member 392 is in the locked position.

[0120] The fifteenth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 400 in FIG. 39. Security sleeve 400 is similarto security sleeve 390 and similar numbers are referred to similarelements. Security sleeve 400 includes locking members 402 that are eachmoved between the unlocked position and the locked position to locksecurity sleeve 400. Each locking member 402 includes a first arm 404and a second arm 406. Arms 404 and 406 are hinged to each other and toframe 372 by a plurality of appropriate hinges 408. One of arms 404 and406 includes a locking finger 410 configured to engage or be disposedadjacent bottom wall 222 of item 206 when locking member 402 is in thelocked position. Hinges 408 are configured to prevent arms 404 and 406from being moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0121] In each of the above-described three embodiments, the hinges areconfigured to prevent the locking members from being forced outwardlythrough the openings in the frames. The configuration of the hingeincludes the angles of the arms and frame immediately adjacent thehinges. These angles also allow the arms to abut against each other toprovide a strong retaining force for item 206.

[0122] The sixteenth embodiment of the invention is indicated generallyby the numeral 420 in FIG. 40. Security sleeve 420 includes a frame 422that is similar to the other frames described above. As such, frame 422defines a pair of openings 424 adjacent the insertion opening andadjacent the lower end 222 of item 206 when item 206 is fully insertedwithin frame 422.

[0123] Security sleeve 420 includes a pair of locking members 426 thatare each hingedly attached to frame 422 by an appropriate hinge 428.Each locking member 426 includes an inwardly and upwardly extendinglocking finger 430 designed to engage item 206 when locking member 426is in the locked position.

[0124] In this embodiment of the invention, the lower end 432 of the arm434 of each locking member 426 is sized to engage the ledge 436 formedby frame 422 below opening 424 to prevent locking member 426 from beingmoved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

[0125] In this embodiment, item 206 is intended to be inserted intoframe 422 immediately after frame 422 is removed from the mold that isused to form frame 422. While frame 422 is relatively warm and flexible,item 206 is inserted into frame 422 and locking members 426 are forcedthrough openings 424. Frame 422 then cools and prevents locking members426 from being removed back through openings 424. This method of lockingthe security sleeve may be used with any of the embodiments describedabove or below. This method allows a secure locked arrangement to becreated because the length of arm 434 is significantly longer than thelength of opening 424.

[0126] The seventeenth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 440 in FIGS. 41-44. Security sleeve 440includes a frame 442 similar to the frames described with respect to theother embodiments of the invention. Frame 442 is configured to receiveitem 206 in the same manner described above.

[0127] Security sleeve 440 includes a pair of locking members 444 thatare each movable between the unlocked position depicted in FIGS. 41 and42 and the locked position depicted in FIGS. 43 and 44. Each lockingmember 444 includes an arm 446 that is hinged to frame 442 by a hinge448. In this embodiment, hinge 448 is disposed at the bottom of frame442 and allows arm 446 to pivot up into the insertion opening of frame442.

[0128] Each locking member 444 further includes a protuberance 450 thatfits within the insertion opening of frame 442. Each protuberance 450includes at least one lock finger 452 that engages an opening 454defined by frame 442. Lock fingers 452 are configured to engage frame442 in a one way snap connection that prevents locking members 444 frombeing moved out of the locked position.

[0129] The eighteenth embodiment of the invention is indicated generallyby the numeral 460 in FIG. 45. Security sleeve 460 is similar tosecurity sleeve 440 except that locking members 444 lock with frame 442in a different manner than in sleeve 440. In sleeve 460, each arm 446includes a male locking member 462 that snap fits into a female opening464 formed in frame 442. In another embodiment, male and female lockingmembers 462 and 464 are reversed.

[0130] The nineteenth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 470 in FIG. 46. Security sleeve 470 is similarto the seventeenth and eighteenth embodiments of the invention describedabove. In the nineteenth embodiment, frame 442 defines four openings 472in the front and back walls of frame 442 adjacent bottom wall 222 ofitem 206. Each locking member 474 includes a pair of locking fingers 476that snap fit into openings 472 when locking members 474 are moved tothe locked position.

[0131] The twentieth embodiment of the security sleeve of the presentinvention is indicated generally by the numeral 490 in FIGS. 47-49.Security sleeve 490 generally includes a frame 492 configured tosurround item 206 as described above. The insertion opening of frame 492is locked in this embodiment of the invention with a cap 494 thatperforms the function of the locking members. Cap 494 is connected toone wall of frame 492 with an appropriate hinge 496. Cap 494 is movablebetween the unlocked position depicted in FIGS. 47 and 48 and the lockedposition depicted in FIG. 49. When cap 494 reaches the locked positionof FIG. 49, at least one locking finger 498 engages an opening 500defined by frame 492. Locking finger 498 is received in opening 500 in aone-way snap fit connection that prevents cap 494 from being moved backto the unlocked position. Opening 500 may be disposed in the wall offrame 492 opposite hinge 496 or a plurality of openings 500 may bedisposed about frame 492 with a plurality of fingers 498 engagingopenings 500. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in FIGS.47-49, openings 500 are disposed at the corners of frame 492 and fingers498 are disposed at the corresponding corners of cap 494.

[0132] Cap 494 includes a plurality of inwardly disposed locking fingers502. Locking fingers 502 extend into the insertion opening of frame 492and prevent item 206 from being removed from frame 492 after cap 494 isin the locked position as depicted in FIG. 49. Locking fingers 502 arepreferably angled inwardly and upwardly towards item 206 from the lowerend of cap 494. Fingers 502 are sufficiently rigid to prevent apotential shoplifter from prying fingers 502 outwardly or breaking themoff. In the embodiment of the invention depicted in the drawings, eachlocking finger 502 extends substantially the entire length of itscorresponding cap 494 sidewall. The edges of each finger 502 are angledso that fingers 502 fit together without interfering with one another.

[0133] The twenty-first embodiment of the security sleeve of the presentinvention is indicated generally by the numeral 510 in FIGS. 50-52.Security sleeve 510 includes a frame 512 similar to the frames describedabove with respect to the other embodiments of the invention. Frame 512defines openings 514 positioned below the fully inserted position ofbottom wall 222 of item 206. Openings 514 may be stepped as depicted inthe drawings in some embodiments of the invention.

[0134] Security sleeve 510 includes at least one locking member 516 thatincludes a male locking member 518 and a female locking member 520 thatfit together in the locked position (FIG. 52) to lock item 206 in frame512. Each locking member 518 and 520 is connected to frame 512 by anappropriate hinge 522 so that each member 518 and 520 may pivot betweenan unlocked position (FIG. 50) and a locked position (FIG. 52).

[0135] Male locking member 518 includes at least one locking finger 524configured to be lockingly received in a one way snap fit connectionwith an opening 526 defined by female locking member 520. In thisembodiment, female locking member 520 includes a longitudinal opening528 that receives locking finger 524.

[0136] The twenty-second embodiment of the security sleeve is depictedin FIGS. 53-55 and is indicated generally by the numeral 540. Securitysleeve 540 is similar to security sleeve 510 except that locking member542 having a male locking member 544 and a female locking member 546 isnot hingedly connected to frame 548. Locking member 542 passes throughopenings 550 defined by frame 548. In the locked position depicted inFIG. 55, locking member 542 prevents item 206 from being removed fromframe 548. A shoplifter cannot remove locking member 542 because malelocking member 544 includes a locking finger 552 that is received in aone way snap fit connection in an opening 554 defined by female lockingmember 546. Security sleeve 540 may use a single or a plurality oflocking members 542 disposed across the insertion opening of frame 548.

[0137] The twenty-third embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 560 in FIGS. 56 and 57. Security sleeve 560includes a frame 562 similar to the other frames described in thisapplication. Frame 562 includes an insertion opening 564 wherein item206 may be inserted into frame 562 in a manner that prevents item 206from being removed without destroying a portion of frame 562. In thisembodiment, the locking members are at least one locking finger 566 thatis integrally formed in frame 562. Locking finger 566 includes an angledinsertion wall 568 and a ledge wall 570 that prevents item 206 frombeing moved out of frame 562. Each locking finger 566 is configured toallow item 206 to be forced through fingers 566 based on the resiliencyand flexibility of the material that forms frame 562. Each ledge 570 isconfigured to prevent item 206 from being removed without destroying aportion of frame 562.

[0138] The twenty-fourth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 580 in FIG. 58. Security sleeve 580 includes aframe 582 similar to the other frames described in the specification.Frame 582 defines a pair of openings 584 adjacent the insertion opening586 of frame 582.

[0139] Security sleeve 580 includes at least one locking mechanism 588that is configured to be received in opening 584 in a one way snapconnection to allow locking member 588 to be inserted into frame 582while preventing locking member 588 from being removed from frame 582.Locking member 588 thus includes at least one locking finger 590 that isangled to allow locking member 588 to be inserted through opening 584while engaging the ledge 592 formed by frame 582 immediately adjacentopening 584. Each locking member 588 is configured to block enough ofinsertion opening 586 to prevent item 206 from being removed from frame582 without destroying a portion of frame 582.

[0140] The twenty-fifth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 600 in FIG. 59. Security sleeve 600 includes aframe 602 similar to the other frames described in the specification.Frame 602 defines an insertion opening 604 where item 206 may beinserted into frame 602. At least one portion of frame 602 adjacentinsertion opening 604 includes a first portion 606 of a locking member608. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 59, first portion 606 is in theform of a plurality of male locking fingers configured to be received ina one way snap fit connection in a second locking member portion 610that includes a female opening 612 having corresponding locking fingers.Second locking member portion 610 includes a protrusion 614 that extendsout into insertion opening 604 to prevent item 206 from being removedfrom frame 602. Locking member 608 may be formed on the ends of frame602 as depicted in FIG. 59 or on the sidewalls intermediate at the ends.

[0141] The twenty-sixth embodiment of the security sleeve is indicatedgenerally by the numeral 620 in FIG. 60. Security sleeve 620 includes aframe 622 similar to the other frames described from this application.Frame 622 defines an insertion opening 624 where item 206 may beinserted into frame 622.

[0142] Security sleeve 620 includes at least one locking member 626 thatmay be moved from an unlocked position (the left side of FIG. 60) to alocked position (the right side of FIG. 60). Each locking member 626includes a first arm 628 and a second arm 630. Each arm 628 and 630 isconnected to frame 622 by an appropriate hinge 632. Arm 628 includes afemale lock opening while arm 630 includes a male lock finger. Lockmember 626 is moved from the unlocked position to the locked position bypivoting arm 628 down and inwardly towards an opening 634 defined byframe 622. Arm 630 is then pivoted upwardly and outwardly until the malelocking finger of arm 630 engages the female lock opening of arm 628 tolock arms 628 and 630 together in the locked position as depicted on theright side of FIG. 60. Each arm 630 includes a protrusion 636 thatprevents item 206 from being removed from frame 622.

[0143] In each of the embodiments of the invention described above, theframes included a single insertion opening where item 206 was insertedinto the frame. The inventors also contemplate a sleeve having a pair ofopenings with lock members disposed at each opening so that item 206 maybe inserted into either opening. A lock member that is used with theopenings may be the same or different depending on the application forthe invention. The lock members of these embodiments may be combinedtogether to cooperate to hold item 206 within the frame. Further,different numbers of lock members may be used without departing from theconcepts of the invention. In most cases, pairs of lock members are usedon the end walls. The inventors contemplate that a single lock membermay be used to provide a secure frame with the single lock member beingdisposed on any of the walls of the frame. The inventors furthercontemplate that three, four, five, six, or more lock members may beused to lock item 206 within the frame.

[0144] Accordingly, the improved security sleeve for recorded mediastorage containers apparatus is simplified, provides an effective, safe,inexpensive, and efficient device which achieves all the enumeratedobjectives, provides for eliminating difficulties encountered with priordevices, and solves problems and obtains new results in the art.

[0145] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used forbrevity, clearness, and understanding; but no unnecessary limitationsare to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art,because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended tobe broadly construed.

[0146] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention is byway of example, and the scope of the invention is not limited to theexact details shown or described.

[0147] Having now described the features, discoveries, and principles ofthe invention, the manner in which the security sleeve for recordedmedia storage containers is constructed and used, the characteristics ofthe construction, and the advantageous new and useful results obtained;the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts,and combinations are set forth in the appended claims.

1. A security sleeve for displaying an item of merchandise; the item ofmerchandise having top and bottom edges defining a length, side edgesdefining a width, and front and back surfaces defining a thickness; thesecurity sleeve comprising: a frame defining a storage compartment andan insertion opening; the storage compartment adapted to receive theitem of merchandise; the insertion opening adapted to permit insertionof the item of merchandise into the storage compartment of the frame; alocking member movable between unlocked and locked positions; thelocking member being disposed outside the storage compartment when inthe unlocked position; at least a portion of the locking member beingdisposed across the insertion opening in the locked position; and thelocking member being adapted to prevent the item of merchandise frombeing removed from the storage compartment when the locking member is inthe locked position.
 2. The security sleeve of claim 1 , wherein thelocking member pivots between the unlocked and locked positions.
 3. Thesecurity sleeve of claim 2 , wherein the frame defines an openingadjacent the insertion opening; a portion of the locking member pivotingthrough the opening.
 4. The security sleeve of claim 3 , wherein thelocking member includes at least one locking finger that engages theframe when the locking member is in the locked position to prevent thelocking member from being moved back to the unlocked position.
 5. Thesecurity sleeve of claim 4 , wherein the locking member includes atleast two locking fingers that engage the frame when the locking memberis in the locked position to prevent the locking member from being movedback to the unlocked position.
 6. The security sleeve of claim 5 ,wherein the locking member includes four locking fingers that engage theframe when the locking member is in the locked position to prevent thelocking member from being moved back to the unlocked position.
 7. Thesecurity sleeve of claim 5 , wherein the locking member defines anopening intermediate the two finger fingers.
 8. The security sleeve ofclaim 5 , wherein the two locking fingers are spaced apart.
 9. Thesecurity sleeve of claim 2 , wherein the locking member pivots upthrough the insertion opening from the unlocked position to the lockedposition.
 10. The security sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the frameincludes opposed walls that define opposed openings; a locking memberbeing pivotally attached to the wall adjacent the opening in the wall; aportion of the locking member being disposed in the opening when thelocking member is in the locked position.
 11. The security device ofclaim 10 , wherein each wall has an outer surface and each lockingmember has an outer surface; the outer surface of the locking memberbeing substantially flush with the outer surface of the wall when thelocking member is in the locked position.
 12. The security device ofclaim 10 , wherein each wall has a longitudinal direction; the pivotaxis between the locking member and the wall being perpendicular to thelongitudinal direction of the wall.
 13. The security device of claim 10, wherein each wall has a longitudinal direction; the pivot axis betweenthe locking member and the wall being parallel to the longitudinaldirection of the wall.
 14. The security device of claim 1 , wherein theframe includes a pair of opposed walls that each define an opening; onelocking member being pivotally attached to each wall with a pair ofspaced-apart hinges.
 15. The security device of claim 14 , wherein thelocking member includes a third hinge.
 16. The security device of claim1 , wherein the frame includes a pair of opposed walls that each definean opening; each opening having a length; one locking member beingpivotally attached to each wall adjacent the opening; the locking memberhaving a length that is longer than the length of the opening.
 17. Thesecurity device of claim 1 , wherein the frame defines an opening; thelocking member pivoting into the insertion opening when being moved fromthe unlocked position to the locked position; a portion of the lockingmember snap fitting into the opening defined by the frame.
 18. Thesecurity sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the lock member includes a pair oflock members that lock to one another across a portion of the insertionopening.
 19. The security sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the frame includesa corner adjacent the insertion opening; the frame defining at least onenotch in the corner that causes the corner to function as a shockabsorber.
 20. A security sleeve for displaying an item of merchandise;the item of merchandise having top and bottom edges defining a length,side edges defining a width, and front and back surfaces defining athickness; the security sleeve comprising: a frame defining a storagecompartment and an insertion opening; the storage compartment adapted toreceive the item of merchandise; the insertion opening adapted to permitinsertion of the item of merchandise into the storage compartment of theframe; the frame including opposed walls; each wall defining an opening;a locking member pivotally connected to each wall adjacent the opening;the locking member being movable between unlocked and locked positions;the locking member being disposed outside the storage compartment whenin the unlocked position; at least a portion of the locking member beingdisposed across the insertion opening in the locked position; eachlocking member including a pair of oppositely extending locking fingersthat lockingly engage the inner surface of the wall adjacent the openingwhen the locking member is in the locked position; and the lockingmember being adapted to prevent the item of merchandise from beingremoved from the storage compartment when the locking member is in thelocked position.